Source
Aaron Malone, Nicole M. Smith, Eliseo Zeballos Zeballos, Coexistence and conflict between artisanal mining, fishing, and farming in a Peruvian boomtown. Geoforum, Volume 120, 2021, pages 142-154.
The study examines a Peruvian boomtown where artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has rapidly expanded alongside traditional livelihoods like fishing and agriculture. Rather than displacing these communities, the research found that ASM initially integrated into the local livelihood mix, driven by perceived economic benefits and a historic pattern of informal mining coexistence. Fieldwork revealed that many residents, especially migrant workers and local farmers—viewed ASM as a familiar and flexible income source, rather than a direct threat. However, this fragile equilibrium was maintained only until accelerated growth brought new pressures.
The authors highlight key tensions that emerged as ASM activity scaled up: competition for land and water access, concerns about environmental contamination, unequal distribution of benefits, and social transformation driven by immigration. Water scarcity and fears of contamination became flashpoints, especially where mining activities coexisted with small-scale agriculture or fishing. Social power dynamics shifted as established community leaders felt sidelined by newcomer miners, creating friction over resource access and decision-making authority. These shifts eroded initial acceptance and unveiled deep fractures in the local social fabric.
From a licensing perspective, the study underscores that acceptance of ASM is conditional and volatile. Whereas artisanal mining may enjoy tacit community approval in early-growth phases, unchecked expansion without oversight—or meaningful community dialogue—can swiftly lead to conflict. The case demonstrates that social license is not static: it requires ongoing management and equitable sharing of costs and benefits. In terms of policy and development, the research calls for locally grounded governance models that monitor livelihood impacts and include mechanisms for stakeholder negotiation to prevent coexistence from tipping into sustained conflict.